Fines eyed for illegal fireworks in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY - The city wants to hit people in the wallet as a deterrent for the vexing problem of illegal fireworks that are already rocking some neighborhoods in Schenectady ahead of the Fourth of July.

The proposed ordinance, which the City Council discussed this week in a committee meeting, calls for fines of up to $250 for anyone caught setting off a "public display of fireworks" without a permit.

The measure, which has widespread support and must be approved the full council, states that each individual launch of a firework constitutes a separate offense and that once police have probable cause to believe a person is breaking the law, they can seize the fireworks and related paraphernalia with the fine determined by a judge.

Councilman John Polimeni said he got an earful from his mother and sister, who live in Bellevue, and have asked him if city leaders can do anything about the pyrotechnics that seem to be driving a lot to distraction.

"It's not just a Bellevue thing, it's an entire city thing," Polimeni said, recalling as he was driving last Independence Day how he saw what appeared to be professional firework displays lighting up the nighttime skies in a few different neighborhoods. "It was stunning."

Councilman Vince Riggi said Tuesday that while he wholeheartedly supports toughening the penalties for the use of illegal fireworks, he took exception to the fact that the public hearing and vote are both on the same night

Typically, the public hearing is held and the council votes on the issue two weeks later. Polimeni said they wanted to fast-track the measure so it is on the books by the Fourth of July. He conceded that fines are not a panacea and that enforcement will be key to putting a dent in the problem.

"I don't think that it's going to alleviate it completely, but hopefully it alleviates it a lot," said Polimeni who worked on crafting the legislation with three fellow council members and the city lawyer.

He said the police Chief Eric Clifford, who attended Monday's City Council meeting, told city leaders he plans to step up enforcement and the department has reached out to the State Police in hopes of enlisting their help.

"We're hopeful that they will actually write tickets and enforce the law," said Polimeni.